Located within a Woods Hole, Massachusetts Historic District, the former Dome Restaurant is the oldest extant Buckminster Fuller dome in the world. Designed and built by the legendary architect, systems theorist, designer, inventor and prolific author in the summer of 1953, this iconic wood-framed geodesic dome, is a testament to Fuller's simple use of materials, his “Dymaxion” philosophy to “do more with less” and his commitment to use technology and innovative design to revolutionize construction and improve human lives.

Abandoned since 2002, the Dome (now eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places) is currently the focus of an initiative by a team of dedicated community members and supporting organizations to create a multi-disciplinary arts and exhibition center, bringing world-class contemporary art to a vital artistic and scientific village. Exemplifying Fuller's passion for comprehensive anticipatory design, the Dome of Contemporary Arts will include exhibition/performance space, a permanent exhibit about Fuller, studios for artist residencies, hospitality amenities and supporting facilities. For the first HRC meeting of 2018, we welcome Nicole Goldman, Chair of the Dome of Contemporary Arts Board of Directors to discuss this ambitious rehabilitation project.

Using X-ray photography, a conservator at the Courtauld Institute of Art (University of London) recently discovered a “politically dangerous” portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots hidden beneath another painting; see www.smithsonianmag.com, October 31, 2017 “SmartNews” story by Jason Daley.

Artists often alter their compositions as they are working—whether repositioning a subject’s hand or removing an entire figure from the scene—and then cover up these forms with a new layer of paint. Over time, this coating can fade away to reveal the previous version of the painting -- the pentimento -- that had been hiding underneath. In the built environment, we can also see examples of this on building facades and commercial signage.

At the age of 23, laying blasting caps herself to dislodge some impertinent granite, Jane Goodrich began in 1983 the physical odyssey of reconstructing Kragsyde – perhaps the most extraordinary Shingle Style home ever built – 100 years after the original “cottage” had been erected in Manchester, Massachusetts. For our November HRC meeting, Jane will share stories of a personal effort spanning over 20 years that included meticulous research, mixing mortar for 40-feet tall chimneys, painting hundreds of window mullions and setting countless ceramic tiles -- not to mention meeting the challenges of quirky New England weather.

Join us in October as the HRC welcomes our featured speaker Chris Dabek, an acclaimed expert in managing high-profile, complex preservation projects with challenging schedules and budgets. Chris will show us the cutting edge of 3-D technology, illustrating emerging techniques for replicating historic architectural features using laser scanning and 3-D printing. His fascinating presentation will employing case studies to explain the steps involved in replicating a historic baluster unit and reproducing other complex decorative features using 3-D technology, demonstrating the significant value these new tools add to workshop- and construction-site workflow for historic structure repair and restoration.